Ardan blinked twice squinting slightly to see the hidden pointed ears "Oh...well so you are a laguz, well I can hardly tell but sure by all means you are welcome to join our motley...crew" he said with an uncertain glance at Lucius "Still unfortunately we're just leaving now so lets hurry out and not block the doorway" he said ushering them out for a bit more space. "The mysterious swordsman at the table in there seemed...perfectly content to just ruminate on his food and he seemed more than a bit dangerous so perhaps we should be on our way" he said hefting the awkward backpack and banner making a note to cutback on his belongings for the trip when he did eventually set out.

"Still my lady my name is Ardan Nivean a Priest from the country of Media and this is Lucius and Dorran I'm sure you've already met" he said making an attempt to introduce everyone. "I'm not sure you'll need to worry about a disguise so much on the road, ideally we won't meet too many people there though the honour is all mine if you can do that huge dragon thing where you can eat people and breathe fire, couldn't hope for a better guardian" he said lightly in an attempt to brighten her spirits.

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"I am? So easily? That's great!" she said. And then Ardan mentioned they should move out of the doorway. "Oh...right! Not the best idea to block up the doorway. Whoops." She stepped outside, holding the door for the others. "Well met. My name is Jade. While the cloak may not be necessary on the road, we can't be too careful, can we? As far as eating people and breathing fire, I do like my meals cooked." She laughed. "I'll devour anyone who crosses us, if you so wish it."

dorran began to move outsidewell it all seems to have worked out well and surely well be ready for the journey tomorrow...though i happen to agree with jade, people in this town maybe on more friendly terms with the laquaz but Im sure your aware how hostel some are towards some if not all laquaz.

but enough about that...i'm sure well have a lot of time to talk on the road ahead, so then good priest just curious, but wheres the inn? as it is i'm sure your aware durandal isn't likely to be allowed in so I've gotta figure something out for him.

Ardan smiled lazily at Jade's enthusiasm "Good to hear though I hope we won't have many confrontations to warrant it, merely the presence of a dragon should hopefully give troublemakers second thoughts" he said reaching back into his robes as he fixed his eyes on Dorran "And yes don't worry I know exactly where we are going" he sighed unrolling the map which emerged from his robes "Have a little faith after all, lets see, we are headed to the St Lahar Monastery for our stay, it's a little outside the city but the area is clear enough that I think he could safely sleep outside" he said with another uncertain glance at the Wyvern.

Turning to move through the streets, thankfully less crowded now, Ardan glanced back at his companions "Though frankly I've not heard so much anti-laguz sentiment as you seem to fear, otherwise clearly there would be more issues with the likes of Marked like us" he said to them "But yes we can discuss it more once we are settled at the monastery, if we are quick there might even be time to make it back before the shops close for provisions but I do not want to keep the monk's waiting any longer than necessary" he said as they continued for the edge of the city.

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Bit by bit, the orange of sunset gave way to the pale, dark blue of twilight as they headed on their way and rows of densely-packed stone buildings gave way to open fields separated by short stone walls and the occasional stand of trees. As they crested a hill, the river Tarnovius came into view. Several campfires were visible in the distance on a hill just before the river, their light helping to outline the ornate stone halls, chapels, and towers of the St. Lahar Monastery, as well as the tents that had been pitched around the area, most of them probably belonging to mercenaries that had been hired as escorts in the Heroes' Journey.

Ardan's face turned grim as he saw the array of tents laid out around the monastery I suppose it was to be expected...but I had hoped it would be....quieter. he thought as they approached the monastery. He glanced back at his companions as the monastery loomed over them "I hope some of you have some camping supplies" he said stretching and taking a brief moment to lay the heavy banner and backpack down "Seems they have enough mercenaries here to take a small town, I suppose there must be an especially large procession this year" he muttered to the others looking over at the wandering mercenaries "I'm not worried about you having space for your wyvern Dorran, odds are there's probably a few others throughout the campsite given the size but please don't get into any fights with the others anyone tonight, we don't need any dirty looks when we set off" he sighed turning to dig through his pack looking for the admission letter.

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"Camping supplies? I don't need them. I'm perfectly comfortable sleeping under the stars," Jade said. "I won't start any fights, but if someone starts one with me, I will defend myself."

She looked at the monastery and the surrounding campsites.

"It looks so..." She tried to come up with the right word, but couldn't quite find it, and settled for, "...big." She looked around. "I'm a little nervous. Do you think there will be any fellow Laguz among them?"

it seems there is more then enough room...just as durandal here doesn't decide to go sleepwalking in the night he gave a good laugh. (talking in a hush tone he put his hand close to his mouth.) "but seriously be careful he does every once in awile."

well then i think im going to go set up camp. since I've been on the road for quite some time durandal here usually carries the gear. I'm sure durandal is ready to pass out on the spot as it is, ill be back over when I'm done setting up so we can discuss the plan for tomorrow.

"Quite the turnout this pilgrimage turned out to be. I'd hate to see how packed the Inns are right now..." Lucius said while checking his bag for supplies. "I don't have much in terms of camping, but I don't mind sleeping on the ground. I suggest we stick together as a group. Wouldn't want anyone getting into trouble with a group of other mercenaries here."

Ardan frowned as he fumbled through his bag glancing at the others making their preparations Dorran and Jade don't exactly fill me with confidence, still this place should be ok, no one will be looking to terminate their paycheck on the first night he thought to himself which provided him with some reassurance. Smiling he pulled the sought letter out of his bag "Well I'm not quite sure but I'm hoping there's at least some room in the monastery for myself" he said cheerily "However this is busier than I expected so I will return soon, whether I'm staying inside or outside, I'll find out if there's any other rules that need to be observed while we stay here" he said sighing as he hefted the awkward backpack once more and stepped into the monastery seeking a monk.

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The sound of conversation led Ardan into a well-lit chapel where several priests were gathered. Most appeared to be Eastern or Southern Beorc, judging by their respective hair colors, but the occasional Bear Laguz could be easily made out standing taller than the rest. A middle-aged Beorc man in a black robe, his long, unkempt white hair and beard giving him away as a monk, noticed Ardan and excused himself from a conversation with a Bear Laguz priest.

"Greetings, Brother," the monk said, bowing his head slightly as he approached Ardan. His accent gave him away as a local. "Are you here for the Heroes' Journey?"

Ardan nodded watching the Bear-laguz go with some mild interest, Never seen a Bear Priest before, it's difficult to believe that one so proficient at killing would choose a path of peace, even now he could still transform on the field of battle and tear his foes apart. He thought idly to himself before snapping his attention back to the Beorc "Oh uh...yes I come to represent the church of Media on the pilgrimage, I have a few guests to assist me waiting outside" he said proffering the letter to the Beorc.

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The monk motioned for Ardan to follow him, leading him out of the chapel and down a corridor. On one side, there were doors leading to monks' cells. On the other side, there were windows looking out into a courtyard. "Do you know Father Briggans, by any chance? I remember that he's from Media, but I'm afraid I don't remember which diocese he is from--not Mylasa, I'm guessing, since he's not a Metropolitan. He struck up quite the friendship with our abbot, Father Alexis, during his time here seven years ago."

Ardan smiled doing his best to conceal his displeasure at the thought of further walking that day as he fell in behind the Priest "Yes Brother I am acquainted with Father Briggans, as you can see I will be attending the Journey in his place this year," he said as they walked "Though I confess I do not recall much mention of Father Alexis but perhaps my memory is failing me or he simply didn't talk about it" he said waving a hand dismissively not especially interested in his predecessors pilgrimage.

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"Mm." The monk, apparently unable to think of anything to say in response, simply continued down the corridor in silence. They continued into a library, where several monks, as well as a few pilgrims, were. The monk led Ardan toward one table where a monk--the abbot, judging by the embroidered mantle over his robes--appeared to be scribing a book.

"Father, another pilgrim has arrived," the monk said to the one seated at the table. The second monk looked up from his work, his gaze lingering briefly on Ardan.

"Welcome, Brother," the monk said, rising. "I am Alexis. May I see your letter of introduction?"

Ardan bowed politely when the abbot greeted him "Greetings Father Alexis, I am Brother Nivean from Media I am here representing Father Briggan's church, I've been told you and him got on rather well a while ago" he said feeling slightly out of place before the extravagantly dressed Abbot all too aware of how travel-stained and dirty his own robes must seem. Fumbling for a brief moment in his robes he soon produced the sealed letter from Father Briggan "Please, this should be the letter of introduction you seek" he said placing it down on the table for the Abbot to examine.

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"This is definitely Father Briggans's seal," Alexis noted as he opened the letter. For a moment, no one spoke as he read the letter. After a moment, he returned the letter to Ardan. He looked to the monk who had escorted Ardan into the library. "Brother Maxim, do we still have room?"

Ardan nodded "I have a small party with me, two men and a young woman," he said opting to leave out the part about Jade being a Dragon Laguz, I doubt the clergy would care as such, especially when they take on Laguz priests however if Jade wants to keep her identity hidden I won't violate her wishes he thought to himself as he gasped slightly suddenly remembering "Oh and a wyvern as well, one of the men is a wyvern rider after all, they are making preparations to camp outside since I doubted we would have room here given the state of the grounds outside" he said doubting that Dorran would get in with his wyvern even if there was room.

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Maxim chuckled. "Yes, I imagine a wyvern wouldn't be too happy in a stable meant for horses and oxen," he remarked. "Will you need any supplies? Canvas and wood for a tent, perhaps?"

"We also have food available if you and your companions have yet to eat," Alexis added, sitting back down to resume work on his book. "I can even have someone deliver something to the wyvern if you wish."

Ardan smiled somewhat surprised by how much was being offered "Your offers are most kind my brothers." he said bowing awkwardly once more "I have a tent myself for on the road but I believe my friends might be lacking however we will acquire them in town before setting off but please allow me to go and inform them as they would know best what they need" he said bowing once more "I hardly know the dietry requirements of a wyvern after all" he joked awaiting the Abbot's response.

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"Very well," Alexis replied. "May you and your companions have a safe and fulfilling journey, and may you bring whatever wisdom you acquire along the way back to your flock." He let out a melancholy sigh. "With all that has been happening around Nauplia, I fear many have lost sight of the most basic truths. I'm sure the Patriarch will say as much once he arrives; as someone whose service to the Goddess brought him to Nauplia, His Holiness would certainly have had time to reflect on such things."

Ardan grimaced slightly thinking on the words of the priest "Well if his Holiness is coming to this monastery I'm sure it will inspire confidence in everyone for the journey, in these dark times everyone could use a little help" he said shifting his backpack slightly "But for now I'll take my leave brothers, thank you for the hospitality" he said bowing before turning to return to his companions.

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Ardan sighed inhaling the crisp night air as he stepped outside the monastery now alight with torches and campfires of the mercenaries Well it's nice to know there's supplies for the others if they need them, I'd best find them before setting up for the night he thought as he started towards the campsite. Glancing up at the stars his thoughts drifted to the events of the day, Well...a Wyvern Rider, a boisterous guard and a Dragon Laguz...some of them are certainly rare travelling companions. I suppose I should consider myself fortunate. He idly waved to a couple of other Priests as he passed smiling slightly as he saw them glancing nervously at their own mercenary companions Glad I'm not the only priest who finds this whole 'consorting with mercenaries' thing off. From what I heard a while ago you would get people joining the pilgrimage out of religious fervour rather than lust for coin. he sighed slightly before spotting Dorran's Wyvern through the sea of tents he started towards them I hope that other lost soul considers making his way here, a little soul-searching might do a man like that some good he thought recalling the blood-stained swordsman at the bar before waving a greeting to his companions

"Hello again, I'm glad to see you managed to settle in ok here" he called to them as he edged his way around Dorran's wyvern.

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"Ahh Ardan, you've returned", Lucius remarked with a warm smile while sitting in front of a small campfire."Were you able to settle your business with the other priests inside the church? I myself had just gotten back from a short walk around the courtyard asking around for information that may help me on my mission. Yielded no results, but that's to be expected."

He patted the ground next to him, and gestured Ardan, "Come, take a seat and rest. I don't think I need to tell you, but we need all the strength for the journey ahead. May need to even acquire a horse or two should the opportunity presents itself."

ahh it would seem things went well with how your looking good priest. as lucius has said take a seat...besides like i said earlier id like to know what the plan for tomorrow is...ill admit though ive been traveling for some time ive never once decided to partake in the hero's journey and thought id be a good idea to know where where headed.

"Oh! You're back!" Jade said when Ardan approached the group. "What did the other priests say? Are we good to go? I stuck with these guys while you were gone so they wouldn't cause trouble." She laughed to signal she was just teasing. If anyone was likely to cause problems, it was her, of course. She smiled. It seemed her mood had overall improved since entering the camp site. "I actually wandered a bit, myself, though I made sure not to stray too far from Dorran's sight. There are Bear Laguz here! I managed to talk to a couple of 'em. I think they like me." She smiled even wider. "I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store for us."

Ardan smiled tiredly glad at the appreciation once he got back "Well, they are very welcoming, they've offered us some more supplies, food even some for your wyvern Dorran" he explained letting out a heaving sigh as he planted his large pack and banner on the ground he stretched and flexed "That's a relief, I can also request an extra tent if you are lacking" he said sitting by the fire that had been started to warm himself "And yes I'm glad you feel at home among other Laguz there was even some Bear Laguz priests...as baffling as that might seem to some" he chuckled slightly moving over to his pack "Still we should be setting off tomorrow, ideally with a large group of the other men, that would be perfect since I doubt any bandits would dare attack a small contingent of mercenaries however if you feel you have unfinished business left in the city you will have tomorrow to finish it off if you like" he said removing a small kettle from his backpack and a linen wrap. After filling the kettle with water from a bottle on the side of the pack he opened the linen wrap revealing a small array of tea leaves. Popping some in the kettle he placed it carefully over the campfire.

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"Food would be lovely. I haven't eaten all day and I'm so hungry, I can eat..." Jade glanced around furtively. "Well, you wouldn't want to know how monstrous my appetite is. It's so...unladylike. That is the word I'm looking for, right? It's so odd, like three words in one." She giggled. "As I said before, I don't need a tent. I also don't have any unfinished business in the city that I'm aware of." She stretched and yawned. "This day has been quite long, but in a good way. I can't wait to start our journey!"

Dorran gave a cheery smile "thats good then durandal might be asleep now but when he wakes up tomorrow hes sure to eat someone out of house and home" he said jokingly. "as for things to do in town... I didn't have anything...ahh...wait... was there something? I feel as though ive forgotten something... dorran begen to sweat in realization at what he forgot.

"I was so hungry I had completely forgotten...I'm going to regret forgetting about that. he said with a shaky voice looking down."

Jade liked to think she wasn't nosy. She didn't want others to pry into her life, so she wasn't about to expect someone to tell her about theirs. That's what she wanted to think, but, of course, it wasn't true. She had always been incredibly curious about all kinds of topics. And so, if someone says something like, "I'm gonna regret forgetting about that," her response would be...

"What did you forget?" she asked before she could stop herself. She then cleared her throat. "Erm, I mean, I'm sure it's okay. Whatever it is can be done tomorrow before we head out, right?"

dorran continued to talk trying but failing to re-insure himself."r-r-r-right...tomorrow...heh...Im sure it will be fine...i mean me and durandal needed food...so we needed work...im sure my friend wont be mad for asking for me to meet them in the town and wasting there time like those other times and use some kinda curse...like one that makes everything taste rotten...right?" dorran chuckled continuing to try and calm down.

"I...I think i'm going to lay down." dorran got up and moved into his tent to get some rest.

Ardan shook his head once Dorran was gone while he fiddled with his pack "It's not wise to irritate a shaman, their magic is a most foul and evil concoction" he grunted with disgust before removing the components for a tent and beginning to set them up "Perhaps it's best if he does whatever mission he has to tomorrow, lest the spends the entirety of the trip vomiting after every meal" he said dryly continuing to work on the tent. A priest passed by on his way to the temple and with a few words with Ardan the priest went off to fetch them some food from the monastery "Well that's that taken care of, and I'm sure you aren't alone in your appetites, I've known men who could eat a banquet themselves" he eyes glanced over in realisation at Jade "...As I'm sure you must have, despite your appearance you must have quite a few years under your belt, tell me a tale of your life I'm sure a dragon's life is full of hazards and adventure" he said as he set the tent pegs.

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"The Shaman's curse won't work if I eat 'im," Jade said with a chuckle. She was only half-kidding, of course. She then looked to Ardan. "Compared to you guys, I certainly have lived a long time...but, to my kind, I'm still considered a child." She shrugged. "My life is full of almost, but not quite, having adventures." She sighed. "But perhaps I can think of some sort of interesting tale, anyway." She paused as she picked her brain, then she snapped her fingers. "Aha! I got it!" She smiled broadly.

"My parents were very stringent with who I could see and where I could go, and so I ran away a lot and often. Well, there was this one time while I was away from home that I saw a few big, ugly old Dragons bullying this poor merchant. My parents are merchants, you know, so I felt for the poor woman. So, I charged in there and screamed, 'Hey! Leave her alone!' Which was pretty stupid. I mean, I was horribly outnumbered by Dragons that were way faster and stronger than me, but, hey, I was only a few centuries old at the time, all young, idealistic, and thinking myself completely indestructible." She cocked her head to the side. "And so the jerks laughed and ignored me because that's what big ol' bullies do. And so I transformed and shot a fireball to one of the guy's faces, then turned tail and started to fly. It was the first time I'd ever tried to seriously fight, and all three of those guys went into Dragon form and came after me at once." She smiled slightly. "Fortunately, before they could catch me, my grandfather found me and was upon those three before any of us even saw him. And boy, did he teach them. It was actually kinda scary." Jade then pouted. "And just when I thought he was cool, he took me to my parents and explained how I nearly got myself killed. My parents didn't take their eyes off me for a whole century after that." She smiled again. "So? Was my story not enthralling? Do I get to eat now?"

Ardan shivered at the thought "Well that sounds suitably terrifying, being raised in a colony of Dragon Laguz sounds like quite the ordeal, I don't envy you" he said shaking his head as he laid the canvas on his tent, "Still I suppose this must be one of your first real adventures then, but you don't seem to be like the other common mercenaries, experienced and out for money" he said stretching once his tent was finally sorted "So tell me, why did you want to join the pilgrimage Jade?" he asked "I doubt you are out for the money so much, and it's been a long time since people have joined the pilgrimage out of religious fervour" he chuckled sitting down again and carefully plucking the kettle from the fire "Would you care for some tea? It's peach flavoured" he said plucking a cup from his backpack and pouring some of the tea into his own.

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"Living with other Dragons isn't always so terrifying. You just gotta develop a thick skin, or thick scales," Jade said. "For me, it's usually just a bore. Other Dragons are very predictable. If things can't be solved by stubbornly clinging to their way of things, they transform and set things on fire. It gets less terrifying and more, 'Oh, great. Here we go again.' after a while, you know?" She smiled slightly.

And that's when Ardan started questioning her motives. She let out a sigh.

"Perceptive, aren't you? You're right, of course, that I'm not on this journey because of money or religious fervor." She tried to think of a way to put why she wanted to go on the pilgrimage without quite telling her life story, or what a Beorc would consider her life story, anyway. "Hmmm...I'm going on this quest because I have...no battle experience, and am rather ignorant of the world outside of Asab. I figure this is as good a way as any to see the world a bit and get the experience I want." She then looked at the tea. "Oh, yes, please. Tea sounds like it'd hit the spot about now."

Ardan smiled fetching another cup while some monks arrived with some bread and sweet honey for them. Exchanging blessings and thanks the monks departed back for the monastery whilst Ardan shared the food out and poured a cup for Lida. "So sheer wanderlust I suppose, well that's fine I suppose we all have that period in our life and the pilgrimage is a long one that covers a good distance so I doubt you'll be disappointed, hopefully you will learn something of the Heroes' Journey as well" he said sipping some of his tea as he settled in "And hopefully your experience will be invaluable should any other Dragon Laguz give us trouble then" he said "However battle experience isn't always something to be sought after, many people would rather live a happy life free of conflicts and loss" he suggested.

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Jade snatched her portion of bread and honey from Ardan and seemed to devour it in one bite. She then realized how completely not dainty she was and tried to chew her portion slowly, but that failed when she felt the need to speak and gulped it all down hurriedly to respond.

"Ah, yes...I'm counting on this journey not being a disappointment," she said, taking a sip of her tea. "And while some people would prefer a life free of conflict and loss, well...I feel as though to live such an existence, I'd have to first feel as though I have earned it. Otherwise, I'd spend all my time fretting over the fact that there are many people more worthy and deserving of such a life, and here I have it without even lifting a finger. It would bother me."

Ardan blinked surprised by the speed by which Jade devoured her bread before laughing quietly seeing her attempt to eat more daintily "Hmhmhm hungry were we?" he asked picking a tiny part of his own bread off to eat himself. "You can have mine if you are still hungry, it seems I underestimated your appetite" he said offering her what was left of his own while he sipped his tea. "Everyone is entitled to peace in their lives but conflict between nations is making that increasingly difficult to achieve, all the same I'd rather this pilgrimage goes smoothly, I don't expect we'll experience trouble from more than bandits since the pilgrimage is an international journey of peace" he said setting his cup down on his lap.

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"Erm, yes," she admitted. She got over her embarrassment quickly, however, when he offered her his own bread. "Don't mind if I do! Thank you!" She took the bread, and was about to eat it when she realized how little Ardan had picked off for himself. "But are you sure that's all you'll have? You should at least take some more. We don't want you passing out from hunger or anything."

She smiled slightly. "Of course we want things to go smoothly. I say we should hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. I wouldn't mind knocking a few bandit heads here or there, but I'd prefer if I didn't have to." She was, of course, half-lying. She wanted enough experience to impress Askala, and would have been happy if they came across thousands of ruffians. At the same time, though, she really wasn't sure she could bring herself to actually kill someone, if it came down to it. She told herself she was, all the time, but it was something she had never done before, so how could she possibly know for sure?

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